Expansion module Sophos FleXi Port 8 x 1000Base-T for XGS 2100/2300/3100/3300/4300/4500/5500/6500

The Sophos FleXi Port 8 x 1000Base-T expansion module adds eight copper Gigabit Ethernet ports to compatible Sophos XGS appliances, providing RJ-45 connectivity for uplinks, access ports or segmented network links. Engineered for direct compatibility with XGS 2100, 2300, 3100, 3300, 4300, 4500, 5500 and 6500 platforms, the module increases port density without requiring separate switches and preserves integrated management and security features of the host appliance.

Advantages

This expansion module provides eight additional 1000Base-T ports in a compact form factor that integrates with the XGS appliance chassis and firmware. It enables flexible deployment options such as adding copper uplinks, extending local networks or creating dedicated interfaces for VLANs and security zones. The module supports standard RJ-45 cabling and Gigabit speeds, reducing the need for external switches and simplifying rack-level wiring and management.

Suitable for

• Small and medium business firewall and gateway expansions
• Enterprise branch or datacentre edge interfaces requiring additional copper ports
• Network segmentation using separate physical interfaces for security zones
• Uplink or aggregation ports to connect switches, servers or uplink links

Key specifications

• Interface type: 8 × 1000Base-T (RJ-45) copper Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Compatibility: Designed for installation in supported Sophos XGS appliance models
• Data rate: Up to 1 Gbps per port, full duplex
• Media: Standard Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a copper cabling
• Form factor: Hot-pluggable expansion module tailored for the XGS chassis

How to use

Install the module into a compatible XGS appliance slot following the appliance hardware installation procedure and power down only if the platform requires it. After insertion, connect RJ-45 cables from network devices to the module ports and configure interfaces in the firewall’s management interface to assign IPs, VLANs, or security policies as needed. Monitor port status and link speeds through the appliance dashboard and update firmware per Sophos guidance to ensure full interoperability.

Recommendations

Use quality shielded or unshielded Cat5e/Cat6 cables for reliable Gigabit links and terminate connections with properly rated RJ-45 connectors. Allocate separate physical ports for critical security zones or uplinks to simplify traffic policies. Verify compatibility and installation instructions in the host appliance manual before fitting the module.